AI, Kids, and the Skills We Can’t Afford to Lose

What AI Could Be Doing to Our Kids AI is getting better at sounding human. Better at conversation. Better at reassurance. Better at knowing exactly what we want to hear. So what happens when our kids start building relationships with machines designed to remove friction? In this conversation, Dr. Becky talks with former Wall Street Journal tech columnist Joanna Stern about AI toys, chatbot companions, creativity, learning, and the surprising role frustration plays in healthy human development. Together, they explore why “helpful” technology can potentially short-circuit the skills kids most need to build: patience, resilience, independent thinking, and real connection. Joanna also shares what happened when she spent time building a relationship with an AI chatbot herself... and why it left her more concerned about kids and companion bots than ever before. Thank you to our partners for making this episode possible: - Play-Doh: Shop Play-Doh at Walmart for a summer of imaginative play - Coterie: Get 20% off with the code GOODINSIDEBABY20 - LMNT: Get a free 8-count sample pack with your purchase at LMNT.com/goodinside - Oso & Me: Use the code OSOGOOD15 for 15% off clothes newborn through age ten

Joanna SternguestDr. Beckyhost

Jun 2, 202636mWatch on YouTube ↗

EPISODE INFO

Released: June 2, 2026
Duration: 36m
Channel: Good Inside with Dr. Becky
Watch on YouTube: ▶ Open ↗

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

What AI Could Be Doing to Our Kids AI is getting better at sounding human. Better at conversation. Better at reassurance. Better at knowing exactly what we want to hear. So what happens when our kids start building relationships with machines designed to remove friction? In this conversation, Dr. Becky talks with former Wall Street Journal tech columnist Joanna Stern about AI toys, chatbot companions, creativity, learning, and the surprising role frustration plays in healthy human development. Together, they explore why “helpful” technology can potentially short-circuit the skills kids most need to build: patience, resilience, independent thinking, and real connection. Joanna also shares what happened when she spent time building a relationship with an AI chatbot herself... and why it left her more concerned about kids and companion bots than ever before. Thank you to our partners for making this episode possible:
Play-Doh: Shop Play-Doh at Walmart for a summer of imaginative play
Coterie: Get 20% off with the code GOODINSIDEBABY20
LMNT: Get a free 8-count sample pack with your purchase at LMNT.com/goodinside
Oso & Me: Use the code OSOGOOD15 for 15% off clothes newborn through age ten

SPEAKERS

Joanna Stern
guest
Technology journalist and author covering consumer tech and AI.
Dr. Becky
host
Clinical psychologist and parenting expert who hosts the Good Inside podcast.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Good Inside with Dr. Becky, featuring Joanna Stern and Dr. Becky, AI, Kids, and the Skills We Can’t Afford to Lose explores how AI’s frictionless comfort may undermine kids’ resilience and relationships They distinguish between unavoidable “AI invasion” (systems embedded in society) and optional “AI invitation” (tools, toys, and chatbots families choose to bring into home life).

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